Top 8 New Irons of 2004

1. Callaway Big Bertha Fusion

The Fusion irons sound space age, incorporating such things as a "Tunite alloy cradle," a lightweight titanium face insert, and the "TPU SenSert." It adds up to what Callaway calls "Fusion Technology." Understanding the technology isn't required, no matter what it's called. What you'll understand after hitting the Big Bertha Fusion irons is all that fancy-sounding stuff translates into irons that take the Big Bertha franchise another step into the future. More info

2. Nike NDS

Until the debut of the NDS (for Nike Distance Series), Nike Golf had focused on high-end clubs for high-end players. The price point of the NDS irons makes them available to more players, and their features make them playable - very playable - for more players. But don't get the idea Nike skimped on the NDS. Quite the contrary. When Grace Park chose new irons to play on tour, she chose the NDS - not the higher-priced irons in the Nike stable. More info

3. Titleist 704.CB

The Forged Stainless 704.CB are built for better players, but their cavity-back design makes them playable by a broader reach of golfers. The forging process with these irons creates a thinner face that Titleist says creates increased cavity volume, improved overall weight distribution and center of gravity (CG) location, and a higher MOI. More info

4. Cleveland Launcher

Featuring the highest moment of inertia (MOI) and the lowest and deepest center of gravity of any irons Cleveland has made, the Launcher irons are great choices for mid- to high-handicappers. More info

5. Titleist 804.OS

What we said about the 704.CB irons above. But the "OS" in "804.OS" stands for offset. High-performance, oversize irons that provide game-improvement features in a traditional blade shape. More info

6. Mizuno MX-23

Mizuno's goal with the MX-23 irons was to produce "the most forgiving forged iron available." Forged irons have traditionally been weapons used only by better players, but the MX-23 is a set for the rest of us. Geared for mid- and high-handicappers, but good enough for even the best golfers.

7. Callaway Big Bertha Stainless Steel

The first Big Bertha irons to come out in 2004 were these, the Big Bertha Stainless Steel irons. A great upgrade to the Big Bertha irons, although now overshadowed by the Fusion irons. More info

8. Tommy Armour 845cs SilverBack

The Tommy Armour 845 line is one of the most recognizable names in irons. Heck, just say "845" and many golfers will know exactly what you mean. The Tommy Armour brand has been passed around between companies the last few years, but this update to the 845 SilverBack line is worthy of its heritage. More info